It includes the non-visible and visible light in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Optical astronomy is one of the many types of astronomy that belongs to the main type called Observational Astronomy.

Optical Astronomy, just like the other types of observational astronomy, make use of information about the heavenly bodies received from the detection and analysis of visible light or other spectrum of the electromagnetic spectrum. Historically and in popular culture, optical astronomy refers to the practice and study of astronomy using visible light.

Optical images are drawn by hand, with information from photographic devices and later on using digital detectors, particularly charged-coupled devices (popularly known by its abbreviation: CCD).

While popular use of the term still means its historical meaning (that is, limiting it to the visible astronomy) that kind of astronomy is now more accurately called by scientists as visible light astronomy.

The term optical astronomy is now being used to refer to other types of astronomy at other electromagnetic spectrum: infra-red and ultra-violet astronomy in addition to visible light astronomy.

Optical astronomy

Optical astronomy, in a strict scientific way, not only refers to visible light astronomy, but also refers to astronomy at infrared and ultra-violet spectrum. Observations at these wavelengths involve optical devices (lenses, mirrors and digital detectors).

Infrared astronomy

Infrared astronomy deals with the detection and analysis of infrared radiation - electromagnetic radiation that falls in the wavelength range 750 nm and 1mm.